Today's Edition
TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)
The Emirati cultural practices of Al Ayyala (men’s folk dance with bamboo canes) and kohl (natural Arabian “eyeliner”) have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi also announced on Thursday that Al Sadu (traditional weaving method) has been successfully transferred from UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, to the Representative List.
Earlier this week, two other culture and heritage items – Al Bisht (traditional men’s overgarment) and Zaffa (bridal procession) were included on UNESCO’s list.
The list is a global registry of “living traditions” that connect people to their past and culture, and recognises skills and expressions such as dances and festivals, as well as oral stories and crafts that communities deem vital to their identity.
Al AyyalaAl Ayyala is a cultural folk performance by men and boys who wield thin bamboo canes and move in unison to a steady drummed rhythm. During the performances, the men chant, often from Nabati poetry, on themes of valour and chivalry.
The performances traditionally take place at weddings, national holidays and other celebrations.
Deeply embedded Emirati culture, Al Ahala is an expression of the ethos and gallantry of Bedouin life and extols the values of dignity and honour.
DCT Abu Dhabi said: “This achievement reflects the nation’s dedication to safeguarding its heritage and preserving this authentic performing art, rooted in the beauty of the human voice and the richness of Nabati poetry. It also recognises Emirati communities and encourages future generations to embrace and celebrate this heritage as an integral part of their national identity.”
KohlKohl is a traditional dark eye cosmetic, similar to eyeliner, that also has healing qualities. Its use – by both women and men - is prevalent in the Bedouin community, where the craft of making the black powder has been passed down from mothers and grandmothers to their daughters.
There are various traditional and modern methods of producing kohl: one uses the black substance derived from the soot emitted by burning candle wicks; another is collecting the ash after burning the harmala plant, and mixing it with fat.
From an aesthetic perspective, kohl gives the eyes a dramatic, smoky effect. Its benefits include keeping dust and dirt at bay, promoting the growth of eyelashes and serving as a protection against the intense glare of the sun.
“Kohl has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as an important social and cultural element across several Arab countries,” DCT Abu Dhabi said.
“This recognition reflects the global appreciation of our heritage practices and highlights the success of UAE’s efforts in safeguarding traditional knowledge, ensuring its continuity as an integral part of the national identity for future generations.”
Al Sadu
Al Sadu is a traditional weaving technique of the UAE that is central to Bedouin culture and involves weaving camel fur, goat hair or sheep wool into material for blankets, carpets, pillows, tents and the decoration of camel saddles and belts.
The ancient practice was inscribed in 2011 on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, and was this week transferred to the Representative List.
Describing it as a major achievement, DCT Abu Dhabi said: “This transfer comes after the nation fulfilled international conditions and criteria, thanks to comprehensive and sustainable safeguarding programmes that protected it from disappearance and made it a living part of cultural life.”
